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MENA Banking Excellence Awards 2025

Your banking legacy crafted here and celebrated globally

The awards celebrate the best-in-class banking and financial services institutions and individuals for their innovative offering and commitment to customer excellence.

28 May 2025
  • Dubai
  • Free

Why enter?

What to expect for 2024?

The 3rd MENA Banking Excellence Awards will be conducted in Dubai on Wednesday, 8th May 2024.

Expect fierce competition with 200+ award entries from over 50 leading bank organisations eager to showcase their innovations in the banking sector. Come prepared to engage with directors and C-level executives, allowing you to network and gain valuable insights.

This event not only ensures valuable opportunities but also carries a global impact for participants, with inspiring stories of success and the latest transformative solutions. Don’t miss out on this banking industry highlight!

200+

Award Entries

50+

Leading banking organisations

90%

Director / C-level attendees

200+

Award Entries

50+

Leading banking organisations

90%

Director / C-level attendees

MENA Banking Excellence Awards 2024 - Highlights Video

Agenda

  • 28 May 2025
Expand All

12 AM

Awards

2024 Awards

The awards programme celebrates the best-in-class banking and consumer finance institutions and individuals for their innovative service offerings and commitment to customer excellence. The programme also delivers an exceptional benchmark, bringing together the most senior banking executives, vendors, and other key industry stakeholders from across the MENA region.

The 3rd edition of the MENA Banking Excellence Awards is dedicated to recognising the achievements of the MENA Banking community and celebrating the disruptors and innovators of the industry.

MENA Banking Excellence Awards Special Report 2023​

Download Now

2024 Awards

  • Categories

    Retail Banking Awards

    Regional Categories

    • MENA Retail Bank of the Year
    • MENA SME Bank of the Year
    • MENA Cash Manager of the Year
    • MENA Islamic Finance Bank of the Year

    Country Categories

    • Best Retail Bank – Bahrain
    • Best Retail Bank – Egypt
    • Best Retail Bank – Jordan
    • Best Retail Bank – Kuwait
    • Best Retail Bank – Morocco
    • Best Retail Bank – Oman
    • Best Retail Bank – Qatar
    • Best Retail Bank – Saudi Arabia
    • Best Retail Bank – Tunisia
    • Best Retail Bank – UAE
    • Best App for Customer Experience
    • Best Car Finance Offering
    • Best Credit Card Initiative
    • Best Mortgage / Home Loan Offering
    • Best Multi-Channel Offering
    • Best Remittance Service
    • Excellence in Client On-Boarding
    • Excellence in Client Services
    • Excellence in Customer Centricity
    • Excellence in Customer Protection/Fraud Control
    • Excellence in Omni-Channel Integration
    • Best Islamic Product Offering

    Enter Now

    Private Banking Awards

    Regional Categories

    • MENA Private Bank of the Year
    • MENA Wealth Manager of the Year
    • MENA Asset Manager of the Year
    • MENA Fund Manager of the Year

    Country Categories

    • Best Private Bank – Bahrain
    • Best Private Bank – Egypt
    • Best Private Bank – Jordan
    • Best Private Bank – Kuwait
    • Best Private Bank – Morocco
    • Best Private Bank – Oman
    • Best Private Bank – Qatar
    • Best Private Bank – Saudi Arabia
    • Best Private Bank – Tunisia
    • Best Private Bank – UAE
    • Best Family Office
    • Best Islamic Wealth Manager
    • Outstanding Wealth Management Service for the Affluent
    • Best Next-Generation Offering
    • Excellence in Service: Priority Banking

    Enter Now

    Corporate & Investment Banking Awards

    Regional Categories

    • MENA Corporate Bank of the Year
    • MENA Investment Bank of the Year
    • MENA Project Finance Bank of the Year
    • MENA Trade Finance Bank of the Year
    • Excellence in Investment Advisory
    • Most Effective Investment Service Offering
    • Excellence in Real Estate Investment

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    Digital Banking Awards

    Regional Categories

    • MENA Digital Bank of the Year
    • MENA Most Innovative Bank of the Year

    Country Categories

    • Best Digital Bank – Bahrain
    • Best Digital Bank – Egypt
    • Best Digital Bank – Jordan
    • Best Digital Bank – Kuwait
    • Best Digital Bank – Morocco
    • Best Digital Bank – Oman
    • Best Digital Bank – Qatar
    • Best Digital Bank – Saudi Arabia
    • Best Digital Bank – Tunisia
    • Best Digital Bank – UAE
    • Best Digital Banking Initiative
    • Best Digital Wallet
    • Best Innovation Programme
    • Excellence in Service Innovation
    • Excellence in Mobile Banking
    • Best Use of AI in Financial Services
    • Best Application of Data Analytics
    • Best Payment Innovation
    • Best Social Media Marketing Campaign
    • Excellence in Product Marketing
    • Best Mobile Banking App

    Enter Now

    ESG Awards

    • MENA Sustainable Bank of the Year
    • Best CSR Initiative
    • Best ESG Strategy
    • Best Implementation of Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives
    • Best Initiative for Women in Business
    • Best Youth Programme Initiative
    • Best Islamic Bank for ESG
    • Excellence in Sustainable Investment

    Enter Now

    Individual Awards

    • MENA Digital Innovator of the Year
    • MENA Female Banker of the Year
    • MENA Islamic Banker of the Year
    • MENA Private Banker of the Year
    • MENA Retail Banker of the Year
    • CFO of the Year
    • CEO of the Year

    Enter Now

  • Timelines
    • Entry Deadline –  5 January 2024
    • Judging – 10 February 2024 – 10 March 2024
    • Awards Night – 8 May 2024, Dubai
  • Why Participate?

    By entering the awards, you can expect to:

    1. Improve employee motivation and partner engagement: awards are a great way to acknowledge the hard work of your employees and recognise your industry partners.

    2. Enhance your brand and drive credibility through third party endorsement: the reputational benefits of independent endorsement of your organisation and service offering are immeasurable. Recognition from trusted industry commentators positively influences customers, partners and employees, driving trust and loyalty.

    3. Promote your team favourably: professional exposure for your teams and corporate super-stars supports your institution’s position as the home of the best talent as well as the best banking solutions.

    4. Benchmark against your industry peers: Awards are the perfect platform to assess your organisation’s capabilities in a highly competitive market.

Special Report

  • 2024 Special Report

    Ushering a new era of innovation and opportunity

    A huge round of applause for all the remarkable winners of the Mena Banking Excellence Awards 2024!
    The third edition of the Mena Banking Excellence Awards took place with great pomp on 8 May at the Kempinski The Boulevard Dubai. It was truly a night to remember as the industry came together to celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region.

    One of the key highlights of this year’s awards was the exceptional quality of nominations received. The level of excellence demonstrated by the nominees was truly commendable, reflecting the dedication and innovation within the region’s banking and finance sector. The volume of entries received was unprecedented, indicating the growing significance and competitiveness of these awards.

    Each year, MEED is proud to recognise advancements and innovations demonstrated by banks in the region, redefining the way financial services are delivered and experienced.
    One notable area of advancement is the rapid adoption of digital banking solutions. With the rise of fintech startups and the ongoing digitisation efforts of traditional banks, customers now have access to convenient and secure digital banking services. Moreover, sustainable finance has emerged as a key focus area for banks. Recent years have witnessed the introduction of green financing initiatives such as sustainable bonds and loans, aimed at financing environmentally friendly projects and initiatives.

    Additionally, banks are increasingly integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria into their lending and investment decisions. Another noteworthy trend is the expansion of Islamic banking and finance. With its emphasis on ethical and sharia-compliant financial practices, Islamic banking has gained traction among both Muslim and non-Muslim customers seeking alternative banking solutions.

    In this year’s special report, we delve deeper into the banking and finance industry in the Middle East, exploring the latest trends, challenges and advances shaping the landscape. We have curated insightful content that not only highlights the winners of the awards but also provides valuable insights into their winning strategies and the factors that set them apart.

    As we reflect on these remarkable advancements, it is clear the Middle East’s banking sector is entering a new era of innovation and opportunity. With each passing day, banks are embracing technology, sustainability and inclusivity, driving positive change and economic growth across the region.

    I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations once again to all the winners of the Mena Banking Excellence Awards 2024. Your achievements are a testament to your hard work, dedication and vision. As we bid farewell to this year’s edition, let us eagerly anticipate the progress and successes that lie ahead in the sector, and eagerly await the next chapter of excellence in banking.

    Sarah Rizvi
    Editor, MEED Special Projects

    Click here to download the 2024 Special Report

  • 2023 Special Report

    A dynamic future for banking

    Congratulations to the winners of the Mena Banking Excellence Awards 2023!

    The second edition of the awards was an extraordinary evening, brimming with excitement, celebration and, above all, a sense of achievement. The night brought together banking professionals, industry leaders and stakeholders to commemorate excellence and innovation. It also provided a unique platform for networking, fostering collaborations and exchanging valuable insights.

    The nominations received this year covered a diverse array of initiatives, ranging from innovative products and services to transformative digital strategies. Their volume and quality were a testament to the banking industry’s resilience and continuous drive for progress, highlighting the depth of talent and expertise.

    I am delighted to witness the exciting developments unfolding within the sector, driven by technological advancements, evolving customer needs and regulatory changes. For this reason, we have produced a knowledge bank in the form of a special report, called Banking on Transformation.

    Throughout the process of preparing this report, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent banking leaders and these interactions have provided invaluable insights into the current state of the industry and its future prospects.

    Banking on Transformation not only examines notable achievements and industry trends but also offers a comprehensive analysis of the developments, innovative strategies and emerging opportunities in the Mena banking sector.

    Looking ahead, the banking industry is on a promising trajectory. With a focus on digitalisation, customer-centricity and sustainable growth, lenders in the region are paving the way for a dynamic future. Embracing innovative technologies, enhancing financial inclusion and adapting to evolving market dynamics will be crucial for sustained success.

    As we conclude this remarkable event, I eagerly anticipate next year’s Mena Banking Excellence Awards and look forward to witnessing the continued progress and inspiring success stories that will shape the future of banking in the region.

    I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the judges as well as my esteemed colleagues at MEED for their outstanding efforts in successfully organising this year’s awards programme.

    Sarah Rizvi
    Editor, MEED

    Click here to download the 2023 Special Report

  • 2022 Special Report

    A huge thank you to all participating banks in the inaugural MENA Banking Excellence Awards and the warmest of congratulations to all of the winners.

    The Middle East & North Africa is widely accepted as one of the fastest growing markets in the banking and financial services sector. From Egypt issuing the first “green bond” in the region, to Saudi Arabia’s issuance of standalone digital banking licenses, the region is challenging more wellestablished global markets in the race to position as worldclass financial hubs.

    Recognising these rapid changes and evolving financial services landscape, MEED has partnered with leading financial services publications Retail Banker International and Private Banker International to introduce the first edition MENA Banking Excellence Awards.

    This initiative is an extension of the long-running programmes RBI Asia Trailblazer awards, now in their 13th year, and PBI Global Wealth Awards, now in their 32nd year. The 2022 awards programme celebrates the best-in-class banking and financial services institutions and individuals for their strategy, innovative offerings, commitment to customer excellence and impact on the regional finance sector. We received a very high number of entries. But that is only part of the story. The quality of the entries received was exceptional.

    To be able to recognise so many outstanding banks in this first edition is hugely encouraging and has allowed us to set a high benchmark of excellence for the future. I had the very great pleasure of meeting Mohammed Al Othman, Group General Manager of the Consumer Banking Group at National Bank of Kuwait, winner of the MENA Retail Banker of the Year and MENA Digital Innovator of the Year

    During our meeting I was inspired by Mohammed’s leadership in launching Weyay Bank, Kuwait’s first fully digital bank. Focused on younger customers in the 15-25 age group, Weyay Bank has already gained a significant market share among this new generation and has set a high bar for other banks in Kuwait and the region as a whole to follow.

    Just as impressively the conceptualisation, creation and launch of Weyay was completed in just 13 months despite the challenges imposed by Covid. This combined with Weyay’s already incredible success leave no doubt that Mohammed and his team at NBK are worthy winners of these two prestigious awards.

    It is a privilege to be involved in this initiative. The MEED team and I are tremendously excited to see the next iteration of banking excellence evolve as we invite the industry to take part in the second edition which will be hosted in person alongside our first regional banking summit on 10 May 2023.

    I must also say a massive thank you to the judges and my colleagues at MEED for the phenomenal task of administering the entries and running the awards this year.

    Click here to download the 2022 Special Reportan in-depth analysis of winning strategies and the mindsets that drive success inspired by the winning entries for the MENA Banking Excellence Awards.

    Ed James
    Director of Content and Analysis
    MEED

Award Winners

  • 2024 Award Winners
    • Corporate & Investment Banking Awards
    • Digital Banking Awards
    • ESG Awards
    • Individual Awards
    • Private Banking Awards
    • Retail Banking Awards
  • 2023 Award Winners

  • 2022 Award Winners

FAQs

  • Entry Deadline: 5 January 2024
  • Judging: February – March 2024
  • Winners Announcement: 8 May 2024

Any banking or consumer finance institution with demonstrable commitment and success in the MENA region or sector as dictated by the awards criteria.

Typically, entries are curated by the most relevant individuals within the institution in collaboration with the marketing team. It is advised that the project team or individuals responsible for the initiative are heavily involved to ensure that the entry is bespoke and highlights the most pertinent elements of the project or initiative.

The awards process from entry through to post-event coverage opens doors primarily to win more work by showcasing your business excellence. In addition, and at varying stages of the awards cycle you can expect to…

  • Improve employee motivation and partner engagement: awards are a great way to acknowledge the hard work of your employees and recognise your industry partners.
  • Enhance your brand and drive credibility through third party endorsement: the reputational benefits from independent endorsement of your organisation and service offering are immeasurable. Recognition from trusted industry commentators positively influences customers, partners and employees driving trust and loyalty.
  • Profile your team favourably: professional exposure for your teams and corporate super-stars supports your institutions position as the home of the best talent as well as the best banking solutions.
  • Benchmark against your industry peers: Awards are the perfect platform to assess your organisations capabilities in a highly competitive market.

There are 5 category groups:

  • Retail Banking Awards
  • Private Banking Awards
  • Digital Banking Awards
  • Corporate & Investment Banking Awards
  • ESG Awards
  • Individual Awards
  1. Submissions can be made either on behalf of your own company or in recognition of a colleague or partner firm.
  2. Entry must address the award category explicitly, not generic links to web sites, corporate marketing, etc.
  3. Submissions should highlight the key differentiators and competitive nature of the project or implementation.
  4. It is made explicit that the Entrant, Judges, and publication will treat any and all information in strict confidence, and any quotes or information to go into the public domain will be pre-cleared by the Entrant.
  5. Submissions made after the publicised cut-off date will be ignored, irrespective of their relative merits.
  6. The Editor and Judges reserve the right to make no award for any specific category.
  7. The Editor and Judges reserve the right to move a submission to a more appropriate category at their discretion.
  8. In submitting for more than one category, the submissions must be unique (see 3).
  9. The Editor and Judges’ decision is final.

Guide Questions:

  1. Why is your company entering this award category? (Consider aims and objectives of initiative, project or situation)
  2. Achievements – What are the remarkable milestones that the bank/finance company has achieved?
  3. Why should your company qualify for this award? (Include scope of programme or initiative, choice of implementation or approach)
  4. Innovation – What are the unique and innovative initiatives did the bank/finance company introduce to substantially boost the company’s business?
  5. What benefits to your company and your customers can be illustrated as a result? (Competitive advantage, effectiveness, ROI, improved performance, service etc.)
  6. Challenges & Solutions – What are the biggest challenges that the bank/finance company has encountered in moving the company forward? What solutions were implemented to overcome these challenges?

For enquires, please contact Tahne Alisaje tahne.alisaje@meed.com

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